You know your body and hiking experience better than your friends. If you do this climb after all of the snow has melted, bring plenty of water, since there are no water sources until you get down to the SA Ski Hut, where there is a small run-off stream. Coming down the first part of the ridge, the trail veers left (if the hiker goes up from the Notch, the restaurant) and cuts through the mountainside, while the Devils Backbone Ridge continues upward, with narrower and more slippery foothold. She says she was late to join up with a group of friends at the start of the hike. Its one thing to see this beauty from the safety of distance, it is quite another to feel it and experience it as you hike right through it crossing on this hairpin trail! Baldy Road come into view, a reassuring sign to our tired feet and bodies that we were almost home! Baldy is one of the most prominent mountains with some amazing 360 degree views over Southern California. Via Ski Hut, return Backbone; Hike 7-22-07; 100 photos on my Flickr. The one-way cost may be the same as round trip. MEETING LOCATION: Burger King (Parking Lot) Although the numerous hikes that I had done in San Diego over the past 5 months were challenging and I did see tremendous hiking growth take place, hiking to the summit of a 10,064 foot mountain was a dramatic change from the nearest challenging hike of Mt. The trail continues its 2.7-mile ascent up to Baldy Notch. Distance: 11 miles (clockwise loop) Register Ridge VariationAuthor: Mike ZimmermanDate: June 27, 2004 2:50 PM Follow the San Antonio Ski Hut Trail route as if you are heading up to the Ski Hut. Harwood, continuing toward a saddle between Mt Baldy and Mt Harwood. Manchester Preserve an Island of Natural Beauty, Health Benefits of Hiking ! However, as our Sierra Club friend pointed out, a few of these hikers got lost due to the snow covering the trail and have died due to exposure to the elements while being lost in the wilderness of the valley. Besides a hearty breakfast, I would highly suggest an early start when doing this hike, not only due to the time it takes to complete but if you are attempting this hike in the summer months it can and does get hot. I started to notice something else as we ascended towards the backbone, I realized how much I was in the moment on this hike, how I hadnt thought about the regular concerns of the day, lifes worries, the what ifs and the I should of, would of could ofs that most of us contemplate in our daily lives. Park at Manker Flat. There are several ways to get to the summit: the ski hut/baldy bowl trail, the devil's backbone trail and the bear canyon trail (probably the most difficult). Eventually, the climb up the SE Ridge meets the Baldy Notch Trail, just SE of the summit of Mt. Hello there Will. The views are unreal! Whether you are a first-timer or an experienced hiker, please read our hike details page as the hike may not suite your experience level. 11/20/2020 Lauren C. I summited Mt. Follow the Devils Backbone Trail. 2.8 miles: The trail reaches the summit. Maybe you'd like to add it as a new route. Enjoy your outing! 4.5 miles: You have reached Mt. Turn left on Baseline Road. The trail to the summit begins at Manker Flats trailhead and we take the winding fire road up to Baldy Notch at which we will take a break. Coaching Sessions: Telehealth, Park, or Trail, POPS TAKE US TO THE TOP An Amazing Father and Son Adventure Coated in Love, Mental Health, Crisis (including hotlines), and Recovery Resources, How Hiking Supports Mental, Physical, and Recovery Health: Articles and Resources, numerous trails to the top of Mt. This part of the ridge is exposed, narrow, and cluttered with boulders, one of which is over 7 feet tall (in the winter with the accumulation of snow, it is much taller). : Adding microspikes to your shoes will help in keep best traction with snow (highly recommended). Exit Baseline Road, Claremont from the 210 FWY only. The Scariest Section Of Devil's Backbone Trail (Mt. Gaiters (optional) San Antonio also offers the chance for the group to consult with one another as to the best route down the mountain. Riding the Sugar Pine Chair Lift up 1,500 at a cost of $25. 1.0 mile: At the junction, turn left up the steep Ski Hut Trail (Baldy Bowl trail). Soon we were hearing the roar of San Antonio Falls, the same falls we had first encountered on our ascent. This is a remarkably narrow rising ridgeline spine with significant drop-offs on each side, connecting Baldy Notch to the summit. Was extremely windy yesterday, but . If you happen to find it, please email me at dr_feng@yahoo.com. On the access road from Manker Flat (Falls Road), the route is gentle and unambiguious. Woodson, itself just over 2000 feet in elevation. Bone-in Wings. Snowshoes, crampons and ice axe may be needed in wintertime depending on snowpack. The Top of the Notch restaurant and bar is in a perfect place to rest and refuel. RECOMMENDED: Have a breakfast before meeting time. ), In the picture below, the normal route of the Devil's Backbone Trail is visible on left and the Devil's Backbone Ridge continues upward in the middle of the picture, Looking back down the Devil's Backbone Ridge after you climb to the top, This part of the ridge is two inches wide (at the most), View Mt. Baldy Village. This hike represented for me the epitome of what a hike can provide as far as the mental and physical challenges and benefits. Verify to immediately update business information, respond to reviews, and more! Climb with caution, as Camino of Death can be more dangerous than the Matterhorn of the Alps, because it does not have the fixed rope protection and is certainly more challenging than the last segment of Mountaineers Route of Mt. We recommend purchasing an annual pass ($30) and a second vehicle pass for an additional $5, which totals $35 for two annual passes. It follows the edge of a narrow ridge (the Devil's Backbone) and then snakes along the edge of some steep slopes. The Top of the Notch restaurant and bar is a great spot for refueling. Harwood. Devil's Backbone. The beauty of the near and far mountains and canyons is magnificent! Approx 14 miles. I hiked Mt. Peak Elevation: 10,064 Befitting its "Old Baldy" name, the summit is a bare dome covered with rocks and gravel. After about 10mins you'll see a sign and there are 3 different paths to different hikes (3 tree top, Mt. in 22 reviews, From here, you can choose to ride the lift down or hike another 3 miles down to Manker Flats. in 7 reviews, The first section starts off paved up until San Antonio Falls which is roughly a half mile up. in 5 reviews. Parking is on the west side of the divided road a 1/2 mile below the Baldy Ski Lifts. Do share! The feeling of accomplishment is like none other! 1 photo. From there, you walk down the rest of the ridge and meet the normal Devils Backbone Trail on your left, continuing to traverse Mt. WATER REQUIRED. : HikerTherapy | "Elevate Your Mind, Body and Soul" 760-215-2112hikrtherapy@gmail.com 0 Items Welcome Mark Lees, M.A., CADC- CAS What is Hiker Therapy and how did it evolve? Baldy Road. Difficulty: Strenuous. HIKE LEAD: TBA. Both the Devil's Backbone and Baldy Bowl trails end relatively in the same location, so a loop is possible. LATH HIKE LEADS: Carol Martinez & Janiece Cordova, MEETING TIME: 5:00am 5:15am Please be on time. Beanie Baldy, also known as Mount San Antonio, stands at 10,064 feet and is the highest point of the San Gabriel Mountains. For the easiest route, follow the access road leading toward the top of the left-side ski lifts. Walking out onto this rock will really give you "butterflies" because it's about a 2,000 foot drop to Stockton Flats below - quite a view! The trail from the south is the Baldy Bowl trail, which is much shorter but much steeper. The Baldy Bowl appears on the left and the trail to the summit with patches of leftover snow straight ahead. He does the same, and as we do, the emotions of the day take over and I choke up as my son says. Sierra Club Ski Hut Trek Highlights. By clicking Attending, or attending the hike, you confirming that you understand that all outdoor activity such as hiking, backpacking, and trekking have an associated danger, and will not hold any hike lead/organizer, participant, LA Trail Hikers, or any group associated pet responsible for any hazard to your well being. Upland CA 91786, REQUIRED: Scenic chair lift tickets $15.00 if purchase online & $20.00 there. The higher altitude and easy access makes it a popular training hike for Whitney (or in my case, the John Muir Trail). There is a use trail that goes up to the right, follow this up onto the ridge. four fried poppers, mildly spicy jalapeno halves filled with cheddar cheese Start: Begin at Falls Road and head past the gate. Sam, the 74 year old, was also very impressed with our hiking sticks, two pine poles that my Son had carved from a past Christmas tree as well as a Torrey Pine branch he had found! Hike-ability level:Difficultbut doable! If he wasnt taking everyones picture with his own camera, he was offering us Korean foods he had brought to the summit with him as snacks. Turn left again at Mt. Scarf or Facemask Baldy. Harwood via Ski Hut Trail, May 30, 2015. After a good nights sleep we set out at 7:30am. Be prepared if this is your plan. As we approached the San Gabriel Mountains we saw off in the distance the ominous silhouette of Mt. Upon gaining the ridgeline, there is a mile-long final push to the top of the summit. Baldy Village, which s downhill from the campground. You can do it! (76), Climber's Log Entries 2. Road will dead end into the ski area parking lot. 2.2 miles: Reconnect to the path to Baldy. Rated 5 / 5. Exercise and Addiction 12 Good Reasons Go To take A Hike! My 666th review fittingly goes to. Mt Baldy and Devils Backbone Trail Report May 31st, 2020, return via Sierra Ski Hut Trail. At the end of Falls Road, the path makes a big U-turn at San Antonio Falls. As there are a few routes to take, we choose the Ski Hut trail back down. It begins at Baldy Notch and ends at Mt. (10,064) elevation. Baldy Road somewhat exhausted, but at the same time exhilarated, the thought that entered my mind was that this was one of the, if not the, most mentally and physically demanding experiences I have ever had, I was also thinking that it is one of my lifetime and that I am very grateful I could share this experience with my son. Each of the 6-Pack is progressively higher in altitude, and all have respectable distance and vertical elevation gain. It Come with free parking for lift tickets customers. Hikers can actually stay at the Ski Hut which is operated by the Sierra Club. This hike was on my must conquer list for a while! HOW DO I PARTICIPATE WITH THE GROUP ON THIS HIKE? The elevation gain is the same as the San Antonio Ski Hut Trail and the distance is probably about the same. I like the whooshing sound they make as they fly by." So many nicknames for one mountain, I know! 0.5 miles: At the waterfall lookout, the Baldy fire road begins. Baldy Ski Lifts to Baldy Notch eliminates a 2.3 mile one-way (1,500 gain) from the ski lift parking lot. Baldy boasts an impressive 10,069 feet in elevation, making it one of the better mountains for Southern Californians to train on if you're looking to summit Whitney or hike the JMT. Thanks for adding this good information. He was very much intrigued with my son Sam, interestingly same name, his life and his motivation to climb Mt. A hike to Mt. (Instructions for making a reservation when the Ski Hut is open, can be found here.). Baldy! and #2, We are crossing the Devils Backbone to get there!. Water. The Devils Back Bone, connecting the top of the hill where the ski cable car ends with the Harwood Mountain, is a ridge with steep slopes on both sides. After about 10mins you'll see a sign and there are 3 different paths to different hikes (3 tree top, Mt. in 22 reviews, From here, you can choose to ride the lift down or hike another 3 miles down to Manker Flats. in 7 reviews, The first section starts off paved up until San Antonio Falls which is roughly a half mile up. in 5 reviews. As an update to the previous information: The Mount Baldy Ski Lift runs 7 days a week and tickets may be booked in advance. Using the Google Earth "Measure" Function and measuring from a topo map the fire road from Manker Flats to Baldy Notch is about 3.25 miles (one-way). If, and only if it suits you, then RSVP for this event and show up the day of the hike with all necessary gear and water (we mention everything you need on the details page for this hike). When the path levels off, the Devils Backbone Trail becomes a narrow ridgeline spine with significant drop-offs on each side. As we came upon the Ski Hut, the trail at this point had leveled off a bit and although still had dips and turns, it was not nearly as steep or Cree covered as the previous part of the route had been. 06/14/2014, Coming Soon: Short and Steep but what a view!Mt Woodson from Hwy 67 Fire Station3/15/14, Hell Hole Canyon, Valley Center, CA: 01/31/2014, A top 5 Hike!Volcan Mountain Wildlife Preserve, Julian California, Hike the HIghest Peak in the City of San Diego: Cowles Mountain, Santa Ysabel Preserve East, Julian, CA: Back Country Hiking Hiker Therapy, Monserate Mountain Preserve Fallbrook, CA Hiker Therapy, Calavera Mountain: Lake Calavera Preserve, Tri-City Area, San Diego North County, Cedar Creek Falls Hike, Julian, CA 03/29/2013 Hiker Therapy, Urban Hike: Seven (7) Bridges San Diego Hiker Therapy, Hybrid Hike: Iron Mountain/Ellie Lane Trail. I am not sure about the chairlift regulations. [] 10,064 foot summit and in the end, we concluded that ascending via Baldy Bowl and descending along The Devils Backbone, making for an 11.3 mile hike, was the best route we stand by this decision (Great post []. But I must say, even though the hike to the top was very difficult. 6777 Mt Baldy Rd Mt Baldy Mount Baldy, CA 91759. This a broad area is just after the Manker Flat Campground. The Devils Backbone trail can be dangerous in winter months. Baldy, San Gabriel Mountains, California Is this trail good for dogs? San Gabriel Mountains. Most of the challenge in the descent is presented in the form of very steep terrain with a trail made up of loose gravel, small and large stones and trail dust, or as it is fondly called, Cree.. ( University of Missouri Libraries ) Services . San Antonio, each offering their own unique challenge, the one we choose included the infamous, Devils Backbone on the ascent and the Ski Hut trail on the descent. The other thing I wanted to do at the summit is find the coveted MT SAN ANTONIO BALDY 10,064 plaque and have my picture taken with my son standing hovering over it. Please try to have this prior to the day of the hike. 1.7 miles: Take the northern trail along the ridge to Mt. For example, theAconcagua mountain page has the 'Aconcagua Group' and the 'Seven Summits' asparents and is a parent itself to many routes, photos, and Trip Reports. #1We are going to the summit of Mt. Torrey Pines State Beach to Blacks Beach, 06/18/2017: Hiker Therapy, Garnet Peak: via Pacific Crest Trail at Penny Pines; Pine Valley, CA Hiker Therapy 05/28/2017, Hike The Hollywood Sign @ Hollywood Hills, CA 04/12/2017 Hiker Therapy, Eagle Rock: Pacific Crest Trail Los Coyotes Indian Reservation: 03/04/2017 Hiker Therapy, Hell Hole Canyon Trail to Maidenhair Falls, Anza Borrego State Park, 02/20/2017, Off The Menu San Diego County Hiking TrailsA list of the best kept secret hiking trails in San Diego County, Hike Stonewall Peak, Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, Julian, CA, Stanley Peak Daley Ranch Escondido CA 03/20/2016, Guatay Mountain: Pine Valley, CA 02/15/2016, Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve, 1209 Farmer Rd, Julian, CA : 01/21/2016, Double Peak Mountain Trail: North San Diego County 09/26/2015 Hiker Therapy, Lawson and Gaskill Peaks: Hiking the East County 03/21/2015, San Miguel Mountain, Chula Vista, CA: Difficult but so Rewarding and Great views from the Summit! Verify to immediately update business information, respond to reviews, and more! Harwood. Continue to the saddle and then on the ridge or slightly to the north side, to the top of MT Baldy. Devil's Backbone! You can see the desert and the city of Barstow, Los Angeles in the distance and I have been told on a very clear day, the island of Catalina. It then ascends over a dozen little switchbacks at the western edge of the Baldy Bowl. I recommend the San Antonio Ski Hut Trail, which has a sign along the way down that says Baldy Bowl Trail, for a descent route. Apparently an 11.2-mile hike is not enough for his 22-year-old body! Objective: Summit Mt. HIKE NAME: Mt. Okay, now to clarify the multiple approaches to the peak of Mt. Check out our other hikes -Mt Baldy https://youtu.be/1v28_su0Mhs-Mt San Gorgonio https://youtu.be/h_BT4GJLpgA-Half Dome https://youtu.be/udfoUshBz0M-Mt Wilson https://youtu.be/HKCKhwmzuk8-Cucamonga Peak https://youtu.be/eogH3mb_8W4-Mt San Jacinto Peak https://youtu.be/1UODpvIfvoM-Mt Baden Powell https://youtu.be/sjOvuhMinEg-San Bernardino Peak https://youtu.be/ml-MbZKJDcE-Hollywood Sign https://youtu.be/QmMI6Ah0HVY-Rainbow Falls Mammoth Lakes https://youtu.be/8fo7XYN7Gq8-Saddle Peak https://youtu.be/eogH3mb_8W4-Whiteface https://youtu.be/oz7vmSRNkyY-Temescal Canyon https://youtu.be/fdtD0K5S75M-Echo Mountain https://youtu.be/8-kG-KSN76Q-Solstice Canyon https://youtu.be/2dfJe6_t7T0 DISCLAIMER: LA Trail Hikers and its Leads/Organizers/Participants do not take responsibility for any harm,bodily injury, accidents, or damage to personal property. Where do I get a National Forest Adventure Pass? (an Aerobic Excersize), How Hiking can Kill Anxiety, Depression and Build Resistance, Rattlesnakes on San Diego County Hiking Trails, This Vet Overcame His PTSD By Hiking 12 US National Parks, Why Hiking is the Perfect Mind and Body Soul Workout. Almost There Stopping To Enjoy Alternate Routes Lol I thought I was going to do a loop like Claremont.. but I was very wrong. WATER CHECK WILL BE PERFORMED. At the end of Falls Road, the path makes a big U-turn at San Antonio Falls. If time is limited, consider hiking to Mt. PARKING PERMIT (REQUIRED): Adventure Pass: $5 Day, or $30 annual. CA 11/07/2018 Hiker Therapy, Hike The Lagoon: Batiquitos Lagoon; Carlsbad, CA 09/16/2018 Hiker Therapy, Santa Margarita River Trail, Fallbrook, CA Fathers Day Hike 06/18/2017 Hiker Therapy, Cedar Creek Falls Trail Julian, CA 04/28/2018 Hiker Therapy, Double Peak Trail San Marcos, CA 03/04/2018 Hiker Therapy, Iron Mountain, Poway, CA Feb., 17, 2018 Hiker Therapy, Blue Sky Ecological Reserve in Poway, CA 02/03/2018 Hiker Therapy, Pyles Peak via Cowles Mountain Service Road, Barker Way Trailhead: Hiker Therapy 01/14/2018, Cowles Mountain via Barker Way; Cowles Mountain Service Road Trail: 10/22/2017 Hiker Therapy, Lake Calavera Preserve and Volcano! Bringing tasty BBQ to the southern Illinois region Wear sunscreen, comfortable warm clothes and shoes. @ Mt. I would call this segment of the Devils Backbone Ridge Camino of Death, or Camino de la muerte, because of its perils, charms, and sheer beauty. Look for a rusted register box on the right side of the trail. One of these five really made an impression not only on us but everyone else who met him as well. That snow covered area in the distance is Mt Baldy's lower, Western Summit. 3. View Baldy Notch/Devil's Backbone Image Gallery - 76 Images. My legs were weathering the hike fairly well, it was my feet that were taking the pounding and definitely felt every mile we have done to this point. Mount Baldy and the Devil's Backbone has been on my to do list ever since my husband and I moved to Los Angeles. Baldy! There is a white gate and blue porta-potty to landmark the start. The photo is taken pointing towards West Baldy. Aconcagua mountain itself has many routes, photos, and trip reports as children. We even saw the ridge line of the Devils Backbone, which leads to the Baldy summit. San Antonio! San Antonio trail is considered the mother of all hikes and one that is a must on the bucket list of hiking trails! DOG FRIENDLY? Waterproof Hiking Boots/Shoes or Snow Shoesgood grip (Required) Baldy and Mt. Baldy Notch - Devil's Backbone Trail Both hikes depart from Manker Flats and can be combined into one scenic and challenging 11.3-mile loop with 3,900 feet of elevation gain. Shasta), with steep slopes running down on both sides. This is the ridge that you will follow all the way up and is the SE Ridge, called Register Ridge, that goes up toward the summit of Mt. Thermos (underlayer to keep warm Optional) So many nicknames for one mountain, I know! Read the Hikes Details we link at the very top of this page. Baldy in the Summer #mtbaldy #mtsanantonio #hiking #mountainclimbing #sixpackofpeaks #socalhiking #socal #solohiker #femalehiker #outdoors". As we approached our campground walking back along Mt. 7.5 miles: Baldy Notch is at the top of the ski lift. The camaraderie of joining a select few who have hiked to the summit of Mt. From the trail-head start to this point we covered the 3.6 miles in two hours with an elevation gain of 2000 ft. From Baldy Notch you get a very clear, vivid and quite frankly intimidating view of your destination, the ridge line of the Devils Backbone and off in the distance the summit of Mt. You will come to a distinct flat spot, about 3/8 of a mile below the Baldy Notch Trail. From here, this is the steepest part of the route in which you gain about 800 feet in a quarter of a mile. Turn North (right) on Padua, follow for a mile to the light. If the lift is running this will knock off almost 4 miles round trip and 1,500 feet of elevation gain. My choice, as I wanted to experience one more time the thrill of completing the true Devils Backbone Ridge). After doing this hike I now know why people climb mountains, the sense of accomplishment is beyond words! All of a sudden, you can see Baldy Notch. Big Laguna Trail Loop: Trail loop provides tour of mountain landscapes, Doctors tell Us How Hiking Can Change Our Brains, Don't be a rescue statistic bring water on hike. Turn right onto Mt. (You Dont need Forest Recreation Pass)www.mtbaldy.com.